Tips for Cheltenham

Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival this week, former Champion Jockey Richard Johnson has offered his best tips for the championship races, along with his view on how the British contingent will do in a week likely to be dominated by the Irish. 

Tips Champion Hurdle:

RJ: “It is a shame that Constitution Hill is not there. So, it is State Man's race to lose. You couldn’t make a case for anything else beating him unless he underperforms.

“Pied Piper could be interesting. If it is a really fast run race, there may be one or two ridden to run well, and I thought Pied Piper could be one of those. He likes it round Cheltenham and might be ridden to finish well.”

Champion Chase:

RJ: “I am a real Edwardstone fan. He won’t make the running because there are two or three front runners in the race. He will sit second or third and will run a very big race. Riding him a bit more positively in a fast run race, I think you’ll see the best of him.

“I think El Fabiolo had an easy time of it in the Arkle last year. Jonbon had one go at him. His jumping could be under a bit more pressure this year.”

Ryanair Chase:

RJ: “It is a very open contest. Capodanno, owned by J P McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, won the Cotswold Chase nicely. For me Envoi Allen at his best would win. But he is getting older. He will go off as favourite. Capodanno stays well and you want a horse you know can get up the hill well.”  

Gold Cup:

RJ: “Galopin des Champs is certainly the one to beat. Considering the number of short priced favourites Willie Mullins has got, Galopin is one you can rely on. He has been there and done it. Others haven’t. I don’t think he is a bad price.

“I don’t think Galopin des Champs is a long way clear of the rest. The trip will suit L’Homme Presse well, as will any rain we get. L’Homme Presse could be the least exposed horse in the Gold Cup.”

Which hot favourite will most likely get beaten?

RJ: “He might be very good, but Fact to File to me has not got that much experience. He won a two runner race against Gaelic Warrior last time out who obviously wasn’t right. He is very short and Stay Away Fay has done more on the track and visually for me. Fact to File has only had a few runs over fences, uncompetitive races and when you take in the undulations of Cheltenham and the atmosphere then, at odds on, he is too short.”

Best tip from the handicaps?

RJ: “Milan Tino trained by Noel George in France, in the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle. He got ten pounds after finishing third at Cheltenham behind Sir Gino. His French form is very solid. He is a hardy type by Milan and has National Hunt pedigree. The ground is going to be harder work than people think. Jonjo O’Neill is riding. He is definitely on the right side of the handicapper.” Will Willie Mullins get to 100 Cheltenham winners at this Festival?

RJ: “Yes. He is on 94 wins at the moment. He is incredible. He should easily get six and more. The strength in depth of his horses at the moment is incredible. It is an unbelievable team he has got.   He is an amazing trainer who sources the right horses, and we should be celebrating his genius rather than saying it’s boring having him dominate. We are all playing catch up with him. It is not England v Ireland, it is Willie versus the rest.

“A lot of people in sport who have been at the top in sport such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Roger Federer for instance have put in a lot of work. It didn’t just happen. The same for Willie.”

Will anyone better it?

RJ: “Gordon Elliott is only 46 and he has already trained 37 Festival winners.  He also has a huge team of horses and I think he will have a very good Cheltenham. He has a lot of live chances including the mare Brighterdaysahead in the Novices’ Hurdle which he thinks is the best thing he has had for a long time.”

The Prestbury Cup:

RJ: “It has to be Ireland. If Willie was in it alone, he would win it. The Brits have got some decent chances but not on the scale of the Irish.  I think if Britain can get to double figures, they will have had a good Festival.”

Which race is the hardest to ride in from your experience?

RJ: “The handicaps are the races with lots of runners, and speed, and if you don’t travel you are struggling. The County Hurdle and the Ultima are two extremely competitive races with a lot of hustle and bustle.  You have the worry of making mistakes in front of you. You need a bit of luck in running. The Bumper can also provide a few hairy moments just on the way to the start, let alone in the race!”

What is the atmosphere like in the weighing room at Cheltenham?

RJ: “You have definitely got extra tension. Everybody is excited but also slightly under pressure because this is where everybody wants to be, the biggest four days of the year, It is pressure and you have to be on your game. If a yard has a good Cheltenham it can be transformational; it can boost their ability to buy more horses and attract new owners. There is a lot of pressure on jockeys to get it right. There’s huge relief if you have a winner.”

J P McManus has just bought MeetingoftheWaters, the favourite for the Ultima. What does that say about his chances?

RJ: “JP has such passion for the sport. Coming to Cheltenham is a huge deal every year. People would give their right arm to have a horse in with a chance. JP trying to find horses with a chance just before the Festival, shows how passionate he still is. He is wonderful to deal with for trainers and jockeys. Financially he helps the sport massively.  He is in the sport because he loves it, not just for the kudos. Whatever happens he is a winner.”

Importance of Royal patronage for National Hunt?

RJ: “The Princess Royal and Zara’s passion for horses is known all over the world. For the historical prestige of our sport to have the Royal family behind it is a huge positive. They come because they love it.

“It’s important to have Zara with whom younger people can identify.  Having her promoting the sport is so important. She has always loved Cheltenham and racing in general.

Thanks to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Cheltenham Festival Odds.